Yes :-) Jennifer's review (Apr 30th 2006)

Here’s a piece of advice. Don’t, no matter how much you really want to stop at Black Tie Coffee, decide that it is a good idea to continue on to Pullman via the Palouse Highway and State Route 27 on the morning after an evening snowstorm. It doesn’t save time. Just get your coffee and scone, turn around and take 195. Trust me.

On the other hand, grabbing a scone and coffee from Black Tie Coffee in Lincoln Heights is a pretty good idea if you are in the neighborhood. The drive-up portion of Black Tie is efficiently operated and staffed. At first the flashy menu boards appear cartoon-like and obtrusive but with each visit the fast food feeling dissipates. Inside, the small shop is packed with Black Tie merchandise, coffee, and tea. I love Black Tie’s logo and the displays are well done, but over-branding does exist and I hope a more mellow approach may come with time. With the overwhelmingly positive response to the new neighborhood coffee house the space may be needed for more seating soon anyhow.

But on to the goods. The real stars at Black Tie are the moist handmade scones. They’re decadent, sweet, and full of real butter and fresh ingredients. The DOMA coffee also makes the shop shine. The summertime blended coffee drinks look very promising and they’ll be on my list come June or July. On one recent visit Remi’s orange flavored mocha contained a curl of actual orange rind. It was a very cute touch. Obviously, details are important at Black Tie and each adds a real air of professionalism.

One tip, however, for those stopping in for coffee. When ordering a hot cappuccino or latte I’d suggest letting your coffee rest a few minutes. On all three of my visits, my initial sip of coffee was disagreeable. After a bit of a resting, the coffee mellowed to reveal a sweet flavor and chocolate-like aroma. I wish I knew the technical name for this occurrence, but I believe it has something to do with the mechanics of the espresso machine and the temperature and speed at which the shots are pulled.

Black Tie is also almost ready to cater to those of us who work in Northern Idaho. Renovation work has started on the former Three Sister’s Coffee House on Spokane Street in Post Falls. Several barista have confirmed the rumor a second Black Tie will be opening in the spot within a few months. I can hardly wait for a more regular coffee and berry scone fix.

This Bean Scene post is part of an ongoing series.

Yes :-) Sara's review (Jan 12th 2007)

Visited the 29th St. location yesterday and we were very impressed. Triple shot latte was only three dollars and the soy milk a standard forty cents extra. It was definitely one of the best soy lattes I’ve had in a long time. My husband ordered the cheesecake flavored latte something-or-other made with skim milk. It may have had an official name, but that about sums up the drink. He said that it had just the right amount of cheesecake flavor without being too sweet or overpowering.

Now I know everyone raves about the scones, but I can’t eat them. (The employee helpfully pointed out that not only do they have real butter, but also heavy cream or milk or sour cream.) So my only minor complaint is that I would like to get a bagel there. Other than that, I know I will be getting coffee at Black Tie all the time when I’m in the area.

Yes :-) kenny's review (Jun 28th 2007)

All the coffees are great and the prices are right and awesome customer service at the Post Falls location.